Being Dealt A Great Deal Of Harm

“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.”

2 Timothy 4:14

Has there been anyone in the Kingdom who has served more or sacrificed greater or been used more powerfully than Paul? Probably, but his life and ministry are a sure inspiration. He gave it all to Jesus. Being called by Christ Himself to serve as an Apostle (Acts 9), it’s curious that a metalworker could do him harm. Doesn’t a calling from God pave the way for an unobstructed life? If Jesus called you to serve, and you were faithful, wouldn’t opposition and pain be absent? You might think… but that wasn’t the case for Paul. He had several oppose him and cause him grief. Here at the end of his life, listen to how he speaks about it…

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (vs. 7-8)

For Paul it’s been a fight; a challenge! It’s not been easy. But he has persevered through. He’s finished what could have possibly ended in despair and failure.

And so Paul teaches Timothy (and me) to “Preach the Word. Be prepared at all times. Correct, rebuke and encourage.” This is what we do. There is struggle and difficulty and as ministers for Christ, we engage it fully. We take it on head on. We fully surrender to Christ, trusting Him when we can’t see the way, and we preach the Word, depositing it into the lives of others.

When I am injured by others, I am not alone… I wasn’t the first and won’t be the last. In this epic battle between good and evil, it’s the nature of the work. There will be Alexander the metalworkers in my life who cause me pain. Expect it. It has happened before and it will happen again. I choose to embrace Paul’s position and leave them to the Lord for repayment. I don’t even pretend to know what that would rightfully look like, so I leave them to Jesus.

Lord, You are the King of Heaven and King of my heart. I follow You as I endeavor to serve You, making Your Name great. Help me to have thick skin… to expect the sins of others to impact my life. Help me to give to You the pain and problems of life and to trust You with the details. Free me up so You can receive great glory through me and through Your church – I pray.

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To Help Or Overthrow; God Has The Power

But a man of God came to him and said, "O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow."

Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?"
The man of God replied, "The LORD can give you much more than that."

2 Chronicles 25:7-9

Even as the people of God, God will overthrow you if you are not following His direction. Amaziah was one of those kings of Judah who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, although half-heartedly (vs. 2). He was going off to war, as kings did in those days, and he was exerting his kingdom! He recruited 100,000 Israelite soldiers giving them 100 talents of silver each! The prophet told him, however, that God would not honor that. God was with Judah, not Israel. God has the power to help or overthrow. “What about all that money?” God can provide more than that.

God has all the power. If I am listening to Him and obedient, His power is available to help. If I assume the throne… If I begin to live and lead NOT as God would have me, He has the power to overthrow! And for all that He leads me to do, He has the resources to fund it. God has no cash-flow problem. There is no end to His provision… and His provision is directed toward His purposes. To experience an abundant life will mean living as He directs and trusting Him to provide.

Father, be the Conquering King in my life. Take any hill You desire through me. I am Your servant, yielded to Your plan and purpose for my life – and for the glory of Your Name and Your Kingdom. In Christ I pray!

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Starbucks #208

Alisa and I don't swing by Starbucks that often anymore, but we did over the weekend.  On the paper cups these days they have submissions from their customers called "The Way I See It."  The one on my cup was blog worthy!  

THE WAY I SEE IT #208

I wish couples who desperately take every means to conceive a child would realize that adoption is a wonderful alternative.  A child who becomes your child through adoption completes a family.  Just as when you commit to your spouse there are no biological ties, yet a family was formed.  This child enters a family the same way!  It is not blood and flesh that form a family, but the heart.

- Michele Johnson, Starbucks customer from Wamego, Kansas

This is the author's opinion, not necessarily that of Starbucks, but Neil thinks it's pretty good.  To read more or respond, go to www.starbucks.com/wayiseeit.

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Being The Lord's Servant

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:23-26

Foolish and stupid arguments are to be avoided because they produce quarrels, and those serving the Lord must not quarrel. Quarrelling is the disrespectful exchange of ideas. It is fighting. It takes some pride and arrogance to quarrel because you’ll only fight for ideas that you’re convinced that you are right about. We have an aversion to being wrong or being wronged - and so we fight. We quarrel. Stupid arguments lead into this. Foolishness breeds quarrelling. It’s not to be present in the life of the Lord’s servant because we are to reflect Jesus, who, while never wrong, was severely wronged! He was humbled to the point of death on a cross. His servants are to be like Him!

Paul teaches Timothy that instead of quarrelsome, the servant of Jesus must be kind to everyone. He or she needs to be able to teach and not be resentful. If we trace resentfulness back, eventually, for the one who serves Christ, it will land at Jesus’ feet. Because we belong to Him, the circumstances and the way He has led us contribute to the place in life we find ourselves in… the thing we can be resentful of – it’s Jesus’ fault! Even the sins of others He allowed to happen, right? To be resentful denies His Lordship and cheapens our identity in Christ. As His servants we need to worship Him for what He has done and believe the truth about our future, not denying that He is always working for our good… even when we cannot see it. We need to trust! We are His servants. We also need to be able to teach others with our words and godly life about this way of Christ. If people oppose you… when people oppose you, “gently instruct them in hope that God will grant them repentance.” How intriguing! It is not our responsibility or in our ability to change people’s hearts or bring them to repentance. We gently teach and allow God to do what only He can do. In this there is great freedom. We teach and instruct and lead them to the knowledge of the truth (which is plenty for us to do!), but it is in their own relationship with God that will bring them to repentance. As it is now with their selfishness and quarrelling, they are trapped by the devil who has taken them captive to do his will.

There is SO much spiritual power and authority in Christ that I as His servant do not need to get emotionally revved up. No, in fact that can actually neutralize my effectiveness for Jesus. In battling for the spiritual well being of people I am gentle and kind. This does more damage to the kingdom of darkness than raising my voice and jumping up and down! The quiet confidence found in my identity in Christ wields a mighty weight that can help set people free.

Lord Jesus, I worship You today. Thank You for this way of life and the privilege of serving You. I am complete in You! Thank You for releasing me from the need to be liked by people. Free of that need, I am able to fully serve them… and You! Be glorified in me today.

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It's Not Too Late

"Even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity
and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
for the LORD your God.

Joel 2:12-14

Chapter one and into chapter 2, Israel’s doom is evident. Destruction is coming. Life will never be the same for them. They may find themselves wishing they were dead – put our of their misery. Their sin against their holy God has been registered and an accounting is coming. God is a God of holiness and justice… and He cannot co-exist with sin. Holiness and obedience is required by His people, and when it is not present, judgment will come… But wait!

God says, ‘even now if you return to me with fasting, weeping and mourning – there is hope for you! Don’t rip your clothes, break your heart and stubborn rebelliousness and return to God. This is what God wants… humble hearts that acknowledge and live for Him. How can this be possible after such hard hearts and rebellion? The Lord your God is…
• Gracious and compassionate
• Slow to anger
• Abounding in love!

And He does relent from sending calamity! The purpose of the calamity He sends is to get your attention and regain your heart. If this can happen without the destruction, God will relent. What’s more, beyond just having pity on His people, He leaves a blessing! This blessing can be turned and used as an offering in worship back to Him!

God is for me, not against me. He works for what is best for me. What is best is a humble, contrite heart that yields to Him throughout my days. He will use pain to gain my attention, and even when I am walking with Him, He will teach me lessons through the devastating circumstances of life. He is not against me; He is for me! Gdo has atoned for my sins through the blood of Christ and has given me a rich inheritance as His adopted child! He has had pit on me and even left a blessing!

Father, every blessing I return to You in worship. Thank You for Your patience and for being slow to anger and abounding in love! Your kindness leads me to repentance and Your grace and compassion are worth celebrating this day! And I do!

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Watching My Life And Doctrine Closely

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

Chapter 4 contains inspiring words from Paul to Timothy! Practical and spiritually significant words. The kind of encouragement that changes the course of a young life.

Whatever in life is godless - having nothing to do with those things. "What about entertainment? If it's not based in God, does that mean I reject it?" Maybe. Entertainment is a HUGE issue in North American culture. How DO we spend our free time? Do we no longer watch a baseball or football game? I see the application in this way, and it's based in the word 'godless.' There are hundreds... thousands of things in this world that are godless and sinful. I see godlessness in culture as being the things that are opposed to the way of Christ. It's not so much that Jesus isn't a part of the activity, but that the activity is clearly contrary to the holy life that Christ-followers are pursuing. A baseball game is not focused on Christ (although many players bring glory to Jesus through their play) but baseball is not opposed to God either (although many players cuss, etc., and live sinfully in the context of the game). There are other activities that are clearly opposed to the righteous life that God is leading us into as described in the Scriptures. These godless activities, Paul would say, we should have NOTHING to do with.

Paul goes on to say a very important phrase: 'Train yourself to be godly.' It takes no training whatsoever to live sinfully and separated from God. That's how we find ourselves, 'dead in our trespasses and sins' (Ephesians 2). Jesus has made us alive! The new life we have in Him requires diligence, training and discipline if we are going to reflect Jesus. Godliness is reflecting Him in our heart attitudes, our words and our actions. Physical training, Paul says, has some value. Godliness has value for ALL things... holding promise for BOTH this life and the next one. Pursing the life of Jesus brings health and vitality and hope to this life and for heaven! It won't just happen, though. We must train our ourselves to be godly.

I love what Paul writes later... 'Watch your life and doctrine closely' (vs. 16). It's not just my doctrine to keep tabs on... I must watch my life too. In fact, doctrine apart from life has little value. Doctrine expressed though daily living is where the power of the Holy Spirit becomes evident! It's an interesting idea, one that would be very good to practice - to evaluate all of life's activities by whether it is opposed to God or not. How many TV programs wouldn't make the cut? How many movies would be a 'no-no' simply because of their subject matter or rating? How much time would be freed up in the pursuit of godliness!?

Training is an everyday activity. Even the days of rest for an Olympic Marathoner are strategic in nature, aren't they? For me, even this day of rest... especially this day of rest (!) fuels my spiritual training in righteousness.

Father - I choose to train myself in Your way. To be like Jesus is my heart's desire. Thank You for providing the way in Christ - my sins are atoned for! Thank You for showing the way in Christ... for Your Word that speaks powerfully into my life and for Your Spirit who leads me. Prompt me to reject everything today that dishonors You and is opposed to Your way. I celebrate Your grace and want to enjoy this day that You've created in the ways that bring credit and honor to You. Thank You for Your patience and the grace I need everyday. I am Yours... In Christ I live and pray... amen!

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Proud To Be God's Pillar

If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:15

How vital is the church! We are a group of people who are adopted into God’s family, His household. How we live and conduct ourselves is important because of this identity. We are the family of God. What’s more, in all of God’s creation, His family is the “pillar and foundation of the truth.” What God has communicated through the gospel of Jesus Christ is the bedrock on which society can and should be built. The church holds this gospel. We proclaim it… we lift Jesus high. Our stewardship of God’s message makes the church the foundation and the pillar of society – we hold everything up and keep it from crashing to the ground. Imagine North American culture if the church of Jesus Christ was removed. Yes, we are the pillar of society.

Although we follow Jesus, always taking a posture of humility and servanthood (Philippians 2:5-8), being the church of the living God is something to be proud of! We have a divine purpose in our society – to exalt Jesus and proclaim and live out the truth. Having this understanding of ourselves should encourage us to confidently be who we are! When we speak for God, we speak with the authority that He gives us. The power that is displayed is in the message… not in us. We are stewards of the message. The glory and honor goes to God.

I praise You, Father, for the power of Your Word – the message of truth. Thank You for delivering the gospel to humanity and for allowing Your church to steward it. Fill us with Your Spirit and give us boldness to continually speak for You, with grace and love for every person. You are awesome! Thank You for being our God who saves!

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The Pride of a Leper

Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.

2 Kings 5:10-12

Naaman was a valiant warrior, a commander of the army of the King of Aram (vs. 1). Through a slave girl from Israel he learned of the prophet Elisha. Maybe it was the long journey or the time of delay with the King of Israel, but Naaman, at best, was grumpy. Maybe his intensity was part of the reason for his success as a warrior. Whatever the case, Naaman had leprosy and he wanted to be cured. When the prophet Elisha doesn’t even come out to Naaman and, through a messenger, gives him the instruction on how to be healed, Naaman becomes angry. All that time… all that travel… all his entourage, and that’s it!?! Ah, the pride of a leper. Naaman’s servants speak reason and truth into his life and eventually he complies. Naaman’s arrogance doesn’t negate the instruction for healing that he received, and in the end, he is cleansed from his leprosy. His skin becomes “like that of a young boy” (vs. 14).

How often does God give me simple instructions that will bring healing and wholeness to my life and I think “That’s it? There must be more!” I’m the leper filled with pride… angry by the solution that is simply hard. Simple to do but hard to pull off because of my own set of expectations. How is it that the leper can be so filled with pride toward the Healer? How can the created one feel short-changed by the Creator? How does a leper retain his pride? It’s ridiculous when you think about it. Even for Naaman, he understood this eventually.

I am grateful that God is patient. He does not harbor anger toward us. He knows us… He understands us and why we do what we do better than we understand ourselves! He knows what we need and has provided it all for us in Jesus.

Father, I praise You for the healing You provide through Jesus. I thank You that You are patient with me and, in Christ, that You do not hold my sins against me. Thank You for the cleansing and wholeness You provide! Thank You that I can walk fully in this grace today. I love You and worship You alone because there is none other like You.

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Credibility

Here is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:15

There is power in personal testimony! Paul has immense credibility when he talks about God’s grace and mercy because He personally experienced it. Even though he once “was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (vs 13), he was shown mercy. He writes, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (vs 14). I am the worst of sinners, Paul writes, “so that in me Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (vs. 16). Paul’s credibility comes not in his pedigree or accomplishments or even in being zealous to the nth degree. No, his credibility comes because he, the worst of sinners, had experienced the grace of God.

My credibility as one who wants to speak God’s truth into the lives of others does not come from my accomplishments, victories, education or giftedness. I am credible and have something to say only because I have yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in my life and have received His mercy and grace. Christ in me is all I have worth offering to others. My testimony of His grace is the place from which I live and teach. “Nothing in my hand I bring, only to the cross of Christ I cling…”

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world to save sinners, of which I am one. Thank You for saving me! Thank You for dying for me, for not holding my sin against me. Thank You for the gift of Your righteousness so that when the Father looks at me, He sees You in me. You in me is my hope of glory! Use me today for Your purpose. Speak through my life and reach others in my prayer.

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Prayer With Eyes Wide Open

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:2-6

Here Paul is writing to the church about her primary purpose, of which he too is involved. Reaching outsiders with the message and mystery of Christ is the mission the church has been given. To go and make disciples for Christ from people who do not know Him is what we are all about. So Paul says that we need to, first of all, be devoted to prayer – with our eyes wide open! Pray being ‘watchful and thankful.’ Pray to God with the expectation that thing will be happening. Pray also with a heart full of gratitude and praise for who He is and what He has done. Pray! Pray for God to open doors for the message. Pray that His people will proclaim the message and mystery of Christ clearly. Pray!

And then act too. Act wisely toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity… don’t squander them. Be intentional and purposeful and love them with the love of Christ. Be full of grace as you speak with them. They are sinners (just like you) who may be far from God, it’s true. But God is pursuing them! He loves them and wants them to be a part of His forever family – so give them grace! Embrace who they are fully with the vision for who they will become in Christ. Let your words reflect this grace and determine to be a vessel of God’s amazing love and grace in their lives.

Father, to this you have called me… and I will.

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Wedding in Seattle

I'll be exiting the blogosphere for the weekend.  The flowergirl in Alisa and my wedding is now the Bride!  The Father of the Bride (that'd be a good movie...) is my mentor and good friend, and also the pastor who married us.  Should be a great time...

I'm grateful to my Elders and church family for releasing me to go.  It's the stuff of life!

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Serving Shishak

When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: "Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. 8 They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands."

14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

2 Chronicles 12:7-8, 14

God’s people, led by King Rehoboam, had stopped serving God. They were worshipping other gods, so God was giving them over to the pagan king of Egypt, Shishak. Rehoboam and other leaders heard God’s Word through Shemaiah the prophet and they humbled themselves. God consistently responds to humility and so He delivered Rehoboam from being destroyed by Shishak. Rehoboam remained King in Jerusalem for another 12 years, but he was subject to Shishak. God wanted him to learn the difference between being subject to God and to a pagan king. Verse 14 explains Rehoboam’s core character fault. He did evil because he did not set his heart on seeking the Lord.

I am going to be ruled by someone. Either I give honor to God and yield to His benevolent Lordship or I will be subject to the evil of my flesh and the pagan ways of this world. Like Rehoboam, doing evil is the natural and consisten result for those hearts who do not seek the Lord. I want to have the heart of Paul who said, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-11).

And then in the very next verse Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” What is it that Jesus took hold of him? What has Christ done? What was His purpose for coming? Simply, so I could be in relationship with God! This relationship is what Paul says he presses on to take hold of. He seeks God. Me too!

Lord, I seek You today with my whole heart. Sin is ruthless as a taskmaster and I eagerly choose to be subject to you instead. Rule and reign in me this day.

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Inspired To Serve

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus was in His very nature divine. God Almighty. The attitude that we see in Jesus that Paul says we need to take on for ourselves is humility. Jesus was everything, but He made Himself nothing. He did not cling on to equality with God. He humbled Himself and became a human. While here, the Son of God was a servant. He did not come to be served, which is the normal pattern for human royalty… No, He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus’ humility and obedience to His Father was to the point of death on a cross.

My attitude is to be the same as Jesus’ was. Humility… obedience… service. When I think of my various positions and labels in life, such as husband, father, pastor, friend… whatever scenario arises where I begin to think that I ought to be catered to because of my position, Philippians 2 needs to flash through my mind. I have no position that compares to Jesus’! And I won’t have any act of obedience that will require more than what He was obedient to. The spectrum with Jesus is the greatest possible distance! From Almighty God to crucified human, there cannot be any demotion greater than that, and He chose it. He made Himself nothing. He was humble, obedient and a servant. I need that same posture, and Jesus is my model. He is my Lord. If He did that, what’s my excuse for not humbling myself?

May Your humility and obedience inspire me daily, Lord, to serve as You would have me. I yield to You again this day. Live Your life through me is my prayer.

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Sounds Like A Challenge!

So last night I worked too late. Not getting to bed at a reasonable time makes it hard to wake up in the morning (duh), so I missed the normal time for devotions. Usually I have a daughter or two who wakes up and has devotions with me. Not this morning! Everybody slept through the golden hour. When I asked Annie if she woke up and read her Bible this morning, she said "no."

I said, "Neither did I. We'll have to find another time in our day to have devotions, OK?"

She said, "OK."

"I'll ask you at dinner time if you read your Bible, and you can ask me, OK?"

"OK."

Then I asked, "Do you think I'll read my Bible today?"

She said, "No"

"No!?"

"No."

"That sounds like a challenge to me..."

So guess what I did this morning, that I don't always do when I oversleep... I read my Bible. Thanks, Annie.

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Very Dangerous

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:21-27

Paul is in jail. Death is a real possibility. Here in Philippians 1 he is processing out the possible scenarios. He might sound suicidal, but I doubt it. When he says, “I don’t know which to choose – death or life…” I see it as his coming to grips with his desired future. What does he want to happen? Clearly Paul’s desire is to be with Jesus because that is far better, but his choice is to continue on because that would benefit the church in Philippi. What we should see here is the absolute “win-win” for Paul. Most people would consider being in jail with the real possibility of execution as being a “lose” – but not for the one following Jesus! To be with Christ would be “better by far.” To continue on and be fruitful for the Kingdom – bringing glory and honor to Jesus… that’s great too! Even in the midst of adversity and opposition (1:27-30).

There’s something very dangerous about a person who is not afraid to die. If I see death as a blessing… a promotion… what will keep me from serving wholeheartedly today? What will I be afraid of? This edge to my thinking is fertilizer to the soil! It will produce greater fruitfulness for the Kingdom. I want my life to count… to be fruitful and to bring glory to Jesus. This life is a mist that is here, but then disappears (James 4:14). The infinite majority of my life will be spent in heaven with Christ. Looking forward to that place inspires me in THIS place.

Thank you, Lord, for what You have planned for me. Inspire me to great boldness and please be fruitful through me is my prayer.

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Put Off; Put On!

22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Every person has an old corrupted self. If you have been re-created in Jesus, you also have a new self. The old self is corrupted and is being corrupted by the deceitful desires it has. It’s the flesh, clamoring for gratification. In Christ we are given a new self. With this recreation come new attitudes in our hearts and minds. As we put off the old and put on the new, we will be like God who is righteous and holy.

One characteristic of being filled with God’s Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Having the control to put off the old and put on the new is crucial for me. The old self is never going to be rehabilitated. It is corrupt and will continue to be. Rightfully, it needs to be put to death. The way of Jesus is for me to discard that old man and put on Christ Jesus everyday. As I “wear” the Lord, those garments are beautiful, reflecting His righteousness and holiness. And hopefully people will notice my garb and think, ‘he looks a lot like Jesus.’

Lord, I choose You today. Over the junk of this world and the corrupt nature of my flesh – I choose You! Remake me in Your image. Give me new attitudes in my heart and mind. Help me to think like You and to love what You love… hating what you hate (Proverbs 8:13). Thank you for such mercy and grace that today I can be made new and reflect Your glory.

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Strength of Character

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being… And I pray that you… may have power, together with all the saints… Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…

Ephesians 3:16,18,20

Divine power in the inner person is a major thread here at the end of Ephesians 3. It might be THE thread! This power is from God delivered through His Spirit. This power energizes and strengthens the inner person. The inner person is where the life of Christ is formed. You can do the right things externally without the strength of character on the inside, but not for long. It is too difficult to keep up those appearances. Out of the overflow of the heart a person speaks… and lives. What’s going on in the inside of a person is what will sooner or later (and usually sooner!) come out on the outside… how they live. This is why God is interested, not in the externals of living, but the inner life of a person. Make the changes there… be like Jesus there… have the right heart there… and the externals naturally follow.

My strength of character does not come from my own strength. God wants to strengthen me wit power through His Holy Spirit. I need this! This is what Paul prayed for. And God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within me.

To You, Father, be glory in my life and in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

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Gratification

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:1-5

Our sinful nature… our flesh has cravings. This is true for every human being that lives on the planet. Disobedience is not in the cravings but in the gratifying of those cravings. Gratification comes to our flesh when we yield, give in, satisfy those cravings. Sin comes in those moments, not in the fact that our flesh cried out for something. This is explained in the difference between temptation and sin. It’s the exact same thing. Everyone is tempted (1 Cor 10:13). It’s common to the human experience, but temptation is not sin. Sinful cravings of the flesh are not sin. Sin comes in the giving in to the temptation; satisfying the craving; doing something that is an affront to the Lord. All of us have cravings of the flesh. All of us have gratified the flesh at some point. All of us need a Savior to bring forgiveness for those sins, and by God’s grace, that’s who we have in Jesus! A Savior. He has made us alive!

Everyday I need to remember who I am in Christ. Being on the front lines in this divine conflict, I need to, like Paul said, be aware of the devil’s schemes. I need to take up the full armor of God (Eph. 6) to do well, even survive in this conflict. One piece of the armor is called the Helmet of Salvation. Jesus is my Savior. By God’s grace I’ve been made alive in Christ. This truth protects my mind, which is where the battle to gratify the cravings of the flesh takes place. When I remember God’s grace and where He has placed me (Eph. 2:6), there is power for daily living.

Everyday it’s You I live for, Lord Jesus! Everyday I follow after You. Everyday I’ll walk with You, my Lord. Thank You for Your amazing grace which has made me a son of the Most High God. And thank You for Your Spirit who walks with me this day.

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Power for Living

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead…

Ephesians 1:15-20

There is remarkable power for living in walking with God through Jesus Christ. Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus shows us that. He told them that since he heard that they had come to faith in Jesus that he had been praying for them. He goes on to tell them what he was praying for them:

• That they would have a spirit of wisdom and revelation from God. Why? So that they can know Him better.
• That they would have an enlightened heart. Why? So that they can know the hope to which they were called to when they came to faith in Jesus. And also so that they can know God’s great power for His people.
  

God is the source of this great power for living. As I come to know Him better each day, I am changed. As I interact with the Spirit of Jesus, I become more like Him because, like no other, Jesus rubs off on His friends! He is the great influencer! He is a man’s man… and I cannot help but want to be around Him and be like Him. What’s more, this is God’s plan: to re-create me into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Over time the Spirit gives wisdom and revelation and more of God is known. This enlightens my heart and what we learn is the amazing future that God has for His people! This hope for life eternal with God brings power for me because life is framed in the context of God’s plan and purpose for me. I canlive in this day knowing about THAT day when I’ll see Jesus face to face.

Thank you, Father, for Your faithfulness. You are consistent and always available to hear my prayers and reveal more of Your heart to me. Coming to know You brings power to my life through Your Spirit! Thank You! As I wait for Your return, use me for Your glory. Use me to extend Your Kingdom that others may come to know you.

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The God of Supply

4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:4-6, 13

The Scriptures were written down so that through them and through endurance we may have hope. God is the One who gives endurance and encouragement (vs. 5)… and the Scriptures. God is also the One who give hope (vs. 13). He is the God of hope; the God of endurance; the God of encouragement; the God of the Scriptures. And His the One who supplies all these things to His people, which means the supply is endless!

Certainly I need God’s supply in my life. As I exhibit joy, peace and hope, it is by the power of the Holy Spirit (vs. 13). I am dependent on this power and Presence in my life. I need the God of supply to supply me with encouragement, endurance and hope. Faltering is too easy and would be the norm without God’s help and Presence. Walking with God, however, is amazing! To observe His activity in life is awesome! To receive by faith His righteousness… yes! Proverbs 4:18 says, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

Thank you, Father, for this righteousness through Jesus. Thank you for being the God of hope! Shine through me this day.

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Wisdom Will Save

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men... It will save you also from the adultress...

Proverbs 2:11, 12, 16

Wisdom and understanding will save a person from the natural consequences of sin. Sin is appealing, but in the end it produces heartache and pain. Being a person with wisdom will provide the way of escape. These words are vivid! "Protect, guard, save..." This is what wisdom, understanding and discretion provide. I'll have to look up the meaning of 'discretion' My sense is that it is understanding that includes choosing what's right or wise. Just understanding what is the right thing is not enough. Discretion is choosing wise things.

Gaining wisdom is found through this Book of Wisdom, God's Word. The Bible has been the wisdom of the ages - God's heart and mind and wisdom all written down for me. I need to continue in God's Word. The Holy Spirit will be my Teacher. And then if I yield to Him in my days - through my days - He will give me the understanding and insight to avoid sin and foolishness. I can walk with Him and have 'righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 14:17), but I must choose wisely! I must choose to yield and want Him more than the stuff the world provides.

Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Constant. You are my Teacher and Guide; my Comforter and Friend - and I yield to You this day. Give me wisdom and understanding and discernment that is beyond me, that I might walk in righteousness, peace and Your amazing joy. In the matchless Name of Jesus I pray.

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